Spermatophore

Spermatophores ( to German seed packets ) are used in many worms, arthropods, molluscs, and in some amphibians ( newts ) of sperm transfer.

It is sperm clusters, which are held together by specific mastic materials that arise in special glands of the reproductive organs.

The males bring them in various ways in the female body, for example by direct insertion, by attachment or by grinding the female on the stems to the ground adhering seed packets. An exception is the silverfish in which the male deposits a sperm packet, which is then found by the female.

The transfer of spermatophores is a way of copulation, which leads to internal fertilization. In general, the transfer of spermatophores happens after a complicated foreplay. Through this Begattungsform fewer sperm are needed than with an external fertilization.